5 tips for keeping teens off drugs, safe from STDs and bullies

I give a 5-star review to Dr. Tricia Pelnik-Fecko’s talk at the HealthyLife Teen Health seminar last night. As a specialist in pediatric and adult care, she sees a lot of families — and that includes teens and their parents. Going in, I really didn’t want to hear another talk centered around bullying, which seems to be the focus of every teen discussion these days. Not that it isn’t a worry for some, but only one of many facing parents of teens.

Pelnik-Fecko didn’t disappoint. In fact, she quickly ran through the gamut, starting with the Internet and ending with drug abuse. She was matter of fact and provided websites for more information.

2. Teens and drugs: Of all the signs to watch for that might indicate your teen is doing drugs the big ones are a change in appearance, a change in friends and drop in grades.

3. Find ways to talk to and listen to your kids — in the car, during commercials. They care what parents think. Two thirds of youth ages 13 to 17 say losing the respect of their parents is the reason they don’t use drugs.

4. When you consider asking your teen about something, rehearse your reaction to every possible answer they might give you. This way you don’t freak out and risk them never telling you anything again.

5. Sexual activity: In 2009, 46 percent of high school students had sexual intercourse.